Kate Middleton looks elegant in red pleated Alessandra Rich dress as she visits the V&A

The Duchess of Cambridge looked elegant in a red pleated midi dress as she visited the V&A on a bumper day of royal news and engagements.

Kate, 39, who studied art history at university and is royal patron of the V&A, viewed two new exhibitions as the London museum opened its doors to the public for the first since December. 

The royal debuted a new £1,565 houndstooth dress from favourite designer Alessandra Rich on the solo outing, accessorising with a pair of classic navy suede pumps and a matching clutch bag. 

Giving a masterclass in daytime glamour, Kate wore her bouncy brunette locks swept over one shoulder and finished the look with delicate gold jewellery. 

The visit came as Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall continued their tour of Northern Ireland Prince William’s cousin Princess Beatrice announced she is expecting her first child with Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi this autumn. It is also the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s third wedding anniversary.

Royal patron: Kate Middleton, 39, who studied art history at university, viewed two new exhibitions as the London museum opened its doors to the public for the first time this year. Pictured, with V&A director Tristram Hunt

The Duchess firstly visited the museum’s Raphael Court, home to the Raphael Cartoons, which reopened today following a nine-month refurbishment to mark the 500th anniversary of the artist’s death

The royal opted for a £1,565 houndstooth dress from favourite designer Alessandra Rich for the solo outing, accessorising with a pair of classic pumps and a clutch bag. She was given a tour by V&A director Tristram Hunt, a former Labour MP

Kate also visited the V&A’s landmark 2021 exhibition Alice: Curiouser and Curiouser, ahead of its opening this weekend

The Duchess of Cambridge was given a tour of the museum by director and former Labour MP Tristram Hunt. 

Her first stop was the museum’s Raphael Court, home to the Raphael Cartoons, which reopened today following a nine-month refurbishment to mark the 500th anniversary of the artist’s death. 

A set of seven full-scale designs for tapestry painted by Raphael, the Cartoons were commissioned in 1515 by Pope Leo X for the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel and are considered to be one of the greatest treasures of the Renaissance.

During the visit, Her Royal Highness heard more about how the refreshed gallery and its new interpretive approach will transform the way visitors experience the Raphael Cartoons. 

The Cartoons have been lent to the V&A from the Royal Collection by Her Majesty The Queen.

The Duchess then visited the V&A’s landmark 2021 exhibition Alice: Curiouser and Curiouser, ahead of its opening this weekend. 

Daytime glamour: The Duchess of Cambridge wore her brunette locks swept over one shoulder 

Passionate: The Duchess of Cambridge chatted with Tristram Hunt as he gave her a tour of the V&A today

Kate views the Alice: Curiouser and Curiouser exhibition at the V&A. Featuring over 300 objects spanning film, performance, fashion, art, music and photography, the exhibition will allow visitors to delve into the origins, adaptations and reinventions of Alice in Wonderland over 158 years

Featuring over 300 objects spanning film, performance, fashion, art, music and photography, the exhibition will allow visitors to delve into the origins, adaptations and reinventions of Alice in Wonderland over 158 years. 

The immersive exhibition makes the V&A the first museum to fully explore the cultural impact of the book and its ongoing inspiration for leading creatives, from Salvador Dalí and Yayoi Kusama to The Beatles and Vivienne Westwood.

After touring the exhibitions, Her Royal Highness met a small group of museum staff who spoke about their experiences of working during a particularly challenging time for the museum sector.